Suki knew that she couldn't do anything against Davide. She joined Enzo who had just finished to pay for the clothes they had chosen.

Suki: Onii-chan... Davide... I think he is angry with one of the employees. Can you see that...

Enzo: Eh, calm down. What's going on again with Davide?

Davide: Nothing. If you're done paying, let's go! (He glared at Suki who stared back at him without saying anything more.) Bye beauty... if one day you want to taste a man... call me!

Manager: (She kept a professional expression.) I hope that you will be satisfied with our products, and we will be happy to welcome you for your future needs. Thank you very much for your visit.

Suki nodded politely at the manager to thank her for her help. Then, the trio left, hands full of bags for the two boys.

Enzo: Suki, do you want to buy something else? (She shook her head.)

Davide: Great, let's go home... I'm tired!

The ride back home was in music, loud music. Suki was tired but she couldn't fall asleep with the high volume in the speakers. When they reached home, only Vito was present and he was not alone, but with his 'school' girlfriend as he named her and few others school friends. It looked like they were having a little improvised party outside. There was food and drinks displayed on the garden table and music shouting.

Vito: Guys... want to join?

Enzo: Dad knows that you invited your friends here? I thought that it was not allowed since... you know...

Vito: Yes, he knows. I don't want troubles with him! Dad, Gab and Dante are coming home late during the night so it's okay. He just asked to be sure that Suki was not bothered... (He looked at Suki with an insistent gaze.) It's not a problem for you, right?

Suki: No, I'm going to change then practice my piano.

Vito: Such a great idea! Davide?

Davide: I'm never against partying!

Vito: Great, some of my friends were waiting for your return... seeing the two of you today in front of school put them in a good humor.

Enzo: I'm bringing that upstairs. You warned your friends to not wander in the house? (Vito nodded. Enzo left with Suki.) Suki, are you sure that it doesn't bother you?

Suki: Yes, and Vito has the right to see his friends... it is his house.

Enzo:It's also yours. Anyway, if you need anything, you come to me!

Enzo put Suki's shopping bags in her room, and she thanked him. When her brother left, she took a quick shower and wore comfortable clothes, a long and large baseball t-shirt with a half-long black legging. She came back downstairs and stopped by the kitchen to grab something to drink. Chef Aldo was there preparing snacks for Vito's guests. He offered to the little girl something to eat but she was not hungry. She saw through the windows Davide talking with one of the girl.

She didn't stay in the kitchen for more time and went to the library. She sat behind her piano and took her partition. She closed her eyes few seconds to focus her attention then she started to play. After all the time she practiced, she knew by heart every notes of the song and how she wanted to play them.

After 20 minutes, she took a break and drunk a sip of her bottle of juice. She looked at her phone, it was almost dinner time. She was about to play again when the door of the library opened. She was expecting to see one of her brothers but no, it was a couple, kissing each others with appetite. The little girl was so shocked that she stood up by taking support on the piano, making some keys resonating.

Girl: Damn it! (She looked at Suki.) You scared me! Didn't you say that there will be no one in that room?

Boy: That's what I thought, the 3 brothers are outside... I couldn't have guessed that she was there... eh, you, can you let us the room?!

Suki stared at the two teenagers silently for long seconds, as if she didn't know what to do. Fortunately, a deep voice had the answer.

Gianni: Who do you think you are talking to? (He made a step ahead with a menacing aura.) Who authorized you to enter here? Who are you to ask the owner of that room to get out?!

Boy: Sorry... (He grabbed the girl's wrist.) Let's go! (They left in a hurry, knowing not to go against one of Vito's brothers.)

Gianni: Eh, are you alright?

Suki: Ah, yes, I was surprised by their irruption, but I'm fine. Did you just come back? Are you alone?

Gianni: Yes, Dad and the guys are still busy at work. Did you have dinner?

Suki: Not yet.

Gianni: Come with me! (She quickly followed him.) Put your shoes on and take your jacket.

Suki: We are not going to have dinner?

Gianni: Yes, but not here. I'm not in the mood to hear those idiots!

Suki chuckled and Gianni smirked. The young man sent a text message to inform their father that he was taking the little girl out for dinner because his brothers were having their party in the house with stupid morons, his own words.

Gianni: What do you want to eat? Burgers and fries are good for you?

Suki: Yes, anything that you want.

Gianni: Great, I know a good place, their burgers are top!

Gianni drove to a part of the city that didn't look at all at her new neighborhood, but more to her previous' one. He parked his expensive car in a small alley that the little girl wouldn't have dared to cross alone. Gianni got out and came to open the door for her, seeing her not moving from her seat.

Gianni: Get out, they are not going to serve you in the car!

Suki: Sorry... You come here often?

Gianni: Only when I want to eat the best burger, don't worry, it's safe.

The siblings entered a little restaurant that had a big and old red neon. When they crossed the door, the few customers looked at them and more precisely at the little girl with that big man. A cold gaze from that big scary man was enough to make the customers focus on their food.

Owner: Gianni, it's been a while... and you are not alone, that's new. Hello Miss, what is your name?

Suki: Good evening, Sir, my name is Suki. (She bowed a little.)

Owner: Nice to meet you Suki, I'm Tony. You are very polite, not like a certain someone...

Gianni: Yo, Tony, are you not busy cooking food? Since when are you so into conversation with your customers?

Owner: My customers are usually not so charming, but more like you! So, who is she? Not your daughter, right?

Gianni: My father's daughter.

Owner: Your little sister? (The old man was a bit surprised.)

Gianni:Hum... give us two number 3 but with a coke for her!

Gianni put his hand in Suki's back to guide her to a table in the back of the room. He made her sit then took the opposite seat, his back against the wall, to always have in visual the entry door.

Suki: I would have never imagined you in that kind of restaurant.

Gianni: Why? Because we've got money? (He smirked when she blushed.) Despite what this place looks like, Tony's food worth it. He is Italian and he values a lot good food. His business is to sell burgers and fries, but everything is freshly made with the top-quality ingredients and it's cheap. Can you imagine that he never raised his prices for 3 decades!

Suki: How did you find that place?

Gianni: I told you, Tony is Italian and one day, he was in need of our protection for his business.

Suki: Your protection?

Gianni: Don't mind that, it's not something a little girl like you should know. Did your shopping with Enzo go well?

Suki: Ah, yes... But it was a bit weird... because Davide came too...

Gianni: Weird how?

Suki: I was surprised that he came because he hates me, and I never know how to be with him... he becomes easily angry too...

Gianni: He did something to you?

Suki: No... but he likes to scare me and make fun of me after... he... he is mean...

Gianni: (He chuckled.) Since when did you become brave enough to say what you think aloud? (She looked at him, embarrassed, blushing a lot.) You've got that strength hidden inside of you?

Suki: Sorry...

Gianni: Why are you sorry? It's time that you talk for yourself, otherwise you will never survive in that world!

Suki: Speaking for yourself is not always a safe thing... (The restaurant's owner interrupted them with the food ordered.)

Owner: I hope that you are going to like it, young girl.

Suki: Thank you, Sir... (He left with a smile.)... it's huge, I will never be able to eat everything.

Gianni: Eat what you can... but why did you say that it's not safe to speak for yourself? Did someone say something to you? Did something happen at school?

Suki: No... it's pretty quiet at school... I think everyone is too afraid of all of you to say anything to me.

Gianni: And it should stay like that! Eat now... and about Davide, if he becomes too annoying, just tell me, I will talk to him, he is not a bad kid... even if he tries his best to show you only that side of him.

Suki: Okay... and thank you for the dinner.

Gianni:Hum... eat, then I will bring you back home.

Suki grabbed the giant burger, and she was wondering from where to start. Gianni, him, took a big bite on it, he was starving after working all day long. Even if the little girl didn't like to waste food, she knew that she would not be able to finish it. She excused herself when she was full. She was surprised to see Gianni eating the rest of her burger.

When they were done with their dinner, they stood up to leave. Gianni gave 50$ to pay for the food, way more than the price on the menu. Suki said goodbye to the owner, and they get out.

In the alley, there was a man near Gianni's car. He seemed like a homeless man and a bit agitated. The little girl stayed closed to her brother. Gianni seemed unbothered. When the man approached them, Suki grabbed her brother's arm.

Man: Boss, Boss, I kept an eye on your car, no one touched it, I swear, I swear... you know Boss, I'm the best to keep your car safe...

Gianni had already seen that man around Tony's restaurant. He had not his entire mind, probably because he had abused of drugs. The young man didn't see him as a threat. He was just a lost man for him, seeking for some dollars. But for a child like Suki, the homeless guy was a scary guy. Gianni took some bills from his pocket and handed them to the guy who was over excited.

Gianni: Take this and buy you something to eat!

Man: Thank you, Boss, thank you... Miss... do you...

Gianni: (He put himself in front of Suki.) Move, you've got some bucks, don't push your luck too much. (The man stepped back.) Kid, get in the car.

Suki quickly sat on the passenger seat and put her seatbelt. Gianni looked few more seconds to the homeless guy until he was few meters away, then he got in the car too.

Gianni: Ready to go home?

Suki: Hum... that man, he called you Boss, he is working for you?

Gianni: No, it happens when I come here. There are some homeless guys like him in that area and when they can make some money, they try their luck... it's nothing... you were afraid? Even if I was here? Still a scared little kitten...

Suki: Anyone would have been scared... It's normal...

Gianni: Yeah, yeah... (He chuckled.)... Such a baby... (She frowned.)

Suki didn't like to be treat like a baby by her older brothers, but she was not brave enough to go against them about that.

The ride back home was silent. The little girl was looking at the lights of the city and the busy people walking in the street, some going back home, some waiting in line in front of restaurants or coming in and out of the different shops.

When the car entered the propriety, Vito's friends were still there. Lights were lightening the terrace to not let the teenagers in the dark. Gianni parked his car in the garage and the two siblings entered the house. In the living room, strange noises were heard... Davide was kissing a girl with ardor. Suki put her hands on her eyes.

Gianni: Fu**! Davide! Go to your room!

Davide: (He pushed the girl.) Damn it... You're back already?!

Gianni: Yes, and you shouldn't be there doing this! You're lucky it's us and not Dad and Gab!

Davide: (He stood up and the girl too, embarrassed.) We were just kissing, it's nothing!

Gianni: You don't live alone in that house! Look how shocked is the kid! Tell Vito that his little party is over and get everyone out of this house!

Davide: Yeah, yeah... I get it's time to go somewhere else... (He left to the garden with the girl.)

Gianni: Those kids will leave soon.

Suki: Thank you for taking me out for dinner at Mr Tony's restaurant, I'm going to my room... bye...

Suki smiled and waved with her little hand to her brother who let escape a little smile at the little girl's cuteness. He stayed few minutes in the living room until he heard the music outside stopped. His younger brothers had listened to him and had stopped their party.

Upstairs, Suki took another quick shower and wore her night outfit. She looked through her windows toward the garden and saw that everyone had left. She came back downstairs, wanting to see her father to thank him for the clothes she bought today.

The living room was empty, so she sat comfortably on the couch and watched the TV. The lightening was low, and the sound of the TV was not playing noisily. Everything was reunited for the little girl to fall asleep, and it is what she did after 20 minutes.

It was now 10.15pm, the three youngest boys opted for a club and left without even cleaning correctly the garden. Gianni was back from a shower after exercising for 45 minutes. He was about to go to the kitchen to grab some cans of beer when he spotted the tiny silhouette of Suki laying on the couch.

Gianni: Why is she sleeping here instead of her bed?! (He came closer.) Hey, kiddo, go to sleep in your room...

Suki: ... hum... (She sat and rubbed her tired eyes.)

Gianni: What are you doing here? If you are tired, go to sleep!

Suki: I was waiting for Father...

Gianni: You don't even know at what time he is coming back. Go to sleep, you will see him tomorrow. There is noting urgent, right?

Suki wished good night to Gianni, and she headed upstairs. The young man went to the kitchen to take the cans and sat in front of the television. He watched the night news before changing for a sport channel.

One hour later, his father and brothers were back. They talked about business around a last drink. Salvatore asked Gianni about his daughter and the young man told him that she was fine. He also told her that she waited for him tonight but as she had fallen asleep, he had sent her to her bedroom.

Before going to sleep, Salvatore stopped by his daughter's room. She was deeply asleep. He closed the door silently.

The next morning, the house was quiet when Suki stood up. She did her morning routine and came downstairs to have her breakfast. She was pleasantly surprised to see her father in the dining room. Salvatore felt a warm feeling inside of him at her innocent smile. They shared breakfast and Suki talked about her shopping time with the twins. She was now way more comfortable with Salvatore.

The weekend passed quietly, just like the first days of the week. At school, the students involved in the preparation of the school festival were busy to finalize everything.

A general rehearsal of the concert was planned in the afternoon and Suki was a bit stress to play her song in front of everyone. Haru, as one of the participants in the Arts exposition, was allowed to be there for the rehearsal.

When it was Suki's turn to play, everyone stared at her with interest. They were curious about the ability of the only girl of the Smith family. Suki exchanged a look with her friend, then she started to play. She was immersed in her prestation and hadn't noticed that everyone was staring at her in an admirative silence.

When she was done, loud applauses came from the few students present. She smiled, shyly, stood up and bowed to the small audience.

Haru: Suki, you were awesome!

Suki: Thank you... I was stress, my hands were trembling.

Haru: No one could have told... your family will be so proud of you!

Lila Paris: Suki, your song was really good and an interesting choice for a young girl like you.

Suki: Thank you, Miss Paris... I like that type of song.

Lila Paris: Your family is coming to the concert, I guess? (Suki nodded.) I am sure your father will be proud of you, after all, you are the first one of your family to participate to the school festival.

Suki: I think my brothers are more into sports...

Lila Paris: Everything is settled for tonight. You can go home, have a good night of rest and be ready for tomorrow.

The two students thanked Miss Paris and left. Suki's bodyguard was waiting in front of the school and in their way home, they dropped Haru at his home.

In the evening, Suki repeated once again her song several times. She drunk a relaxing tea before going to bed, knowing that it would be difficult for her to fall asleep.

The next morning, she joined her brothers in the dining room, hoping to see her father too, but he was absent.

Gabriel: Suki, Father had to go in town for an important meeting.

Suki: (She looked at him, surprised.) Father is not coming to the concert?

Gabriel: Of course, he will come, but he will join us directly at your school. He will not be going to miss that for anything, don't worry.

Dante: (He chuckled.) You just raised up her stress level...

Gianni: And it levels up very easily... right, little kitten...

Suki: It's just that... that Father wanted to see me play... so...

Gabriel: (He patted her head.) Don't stress that little mind of yours. I'm accompanying you with the boys, then Father will join us later in the day. For now, take the time to have a good breakfast to start the day full of energy. (He was the first one to leave the table.)

Dante: It has been a while since I went to an event in that school...

Gianni: Me too... and I'm curious to see the interaction between Gab and that woman... (Suki looked at him, a bit curious.)

Dante: If she is not stupid, she won't try anything... our dear brother is not the type to change his mind regarding that matter...

Gianni: You think that she is still in love with him?

Dante: I don't know... (He smirked.) What our little one thinks about that? Did Lila Paris talk about Gabriel?

Suki: (She didn't expect that he asked her that.) I... I don't know... Miss Paris never mentioned Gabriel. She is kind with me.

Dante: Of course, she is... she doesn't want you to complain to your brother about her... otherwise, your big bad brother will destroy that poor young woman...

Suki: Gabriel is not a big bad brother!

Gianni: (He took a girly voice.) Gabriel is not a big bad brother... Gabriel is the best brother in the world... so kind, so handsome...

Suki frowned and gave a dark glare to her brother who was laughing, just like Dante. Those two grown men were making fun of an 11 years old little girl without remorse. She stood up, annoyed.

Suki: I'm going to get ready!

Gianni: Ahaha... little kitten is showing her little claws...

Suki entered her room and she let her body falling on her bed. It was the D-day, and she was not sure to be ready. In her quiet life attempt, playing piano in a concert in front of strangers, even if it was only at her school, was a huge event. She had closed her eyes and was mentally reviewing her partition. Her fingers started to move by themselves on her bed. She was taken aback from her thoughts by a knock at the door.

Gabriel: Suki, can I come in?

Suki: Yes, please enter. (She sat correctly.)

Gabriel: Are you ready for your performance? You seem quite stress, but I'm sure that you will do perfectly well. I know how much you prepared yourself for that concert.

Suki: Yes, but what if I panic and don't remember anything?!

Gabriel: It's not going to happen, but if it happens, it's okay. Or do you want me to prepare a plan B, just in case? I can even make the school evacuate if necessary.

Suki looked at Gabriel with big eyes. She couldn't tell if he was serious or not. She mechanically shook her head.

Gabriel: So, we stick to plan A? My adorable little sister who will do her best today?

Suki: I guess, we will. (She smiled.)

Gabriel: Great. (He checked his watch.) We still have time beforeleaving. If you need help with your dress, ask me.

Gabriel left to wake up Vito. The youngest boy of the family tried to negotiate with Gabriel to stay at home, but it was a lost battle. At the same time, Davide was taking his breakfast with his twin brother. Enzo seemed really tired and if it wasn't for Suki, he would still be asleep.

45 minutes later, Suki came back downstairs, wearing her cute black dress that was going at her knees level. The sleeves were at ¾, and the bottom was puffy from the waist with a rose embroidered in black too.

When she entered the living room, her 3 older brothers were there. They looked at her with each a different smile, but all with deep affection.